Virtual Race Recap: Gone for a Run 10K Challenge

Life has been topsy-turvy lately, reality these days isn’t exactly what anyone had planned. The one thing we can still do is RUN. One way to keep motivated and excited about running is to sign up for virtual races. I had never participated in a virtual race, but with the pandemic and all races being canceled, I decided this was the PERFECT time to try one! I’ve actually signed up for a few at this point (they’re slightly addictive), but the first one I completed was the Gone for a Run 10K Challenge! Read on for my Virtual Race Recap: Gone for a Run 10K Challenge, and my overall thoughts on the race(s)!

Signing Up

When I started looking around for virtual races, I read recommendations on my Facebook running communities. Gone for a Run popped up, so I checked it out! They donate a portion of each race registration fee to a charity, plus the swag looked great. The race I signed up for donates to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation!

I registered for the 10K challenge. I had already signed up for a half marathon virtual race to run in place of my canceled Rock’N’Roll half, so the 10K was a perfect choice! Gone for a Run offers many different distances and themed races, as well as “challenge” races. These challenges span every distance from the 5k to the Marathon! They help to build up your mileage as you race three progressive distances with the final run being your goal challenge. This is excellent for anyone wanting to tackle a longer race and need some steps to build up to their goal.  

Communication

After signing up for the challenge I received my registration email right away. The email connects you to the Facebook “Gone for a Run” group. There you can communicate with other runners who are participating in their own races. They also offer training plans on the page. The interaction with others in the group is great! Every time I posted a photo after each challenge distance, I got plenty of support and congrats from the group. It’s fun to have other runners to share your success with who are excited to support one another!

I was also surprised how quickly I was sent my swag, excellent service!

Running!

Since this was a virtual challenge, the runs could be completed anywhere, anytime. Even if you only have a treadmill, you can participate in a virtual race! I ran my “normal” social distancing route for each of the races. The 10K challenge is a 5K, 8k and a 10k. After each distance, you can add the little magnetic piece to your medal to show off your accomplishment. I decided that a few of my speed workouts during the past few weeks could be my various races. I even added the magnets to the medal as I accomplished them and made sure to sport my new race shirt and medal after my final 10K run!

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Swag

With your registration, you receive a race bib, t-shirt, and medal. All the items were well made, and the quality was beyond my expectations. I ordered a size up for my top since the website stated it was a “fitted” tee. I love wearing my race shirts as casual weekend tops, so I wanted something more comfortable. Sizing up was the right move since the shirt fits great! I also LOVE the medal and the little magnetic distances, such a cute idea! I may have worn my medal around after my run as we did our cool down walk, I just love race bling!

Overall Conclusion

The Gone for a Run 10K challenge was a great introduction to virtual racing! Quick shipping and excellent communication made the experience seamless. I would highly recommend any runners with canceled races, or anyone needing some motivation and well-crafted race bling, to check it out! Plus, you are supporting a good cause with the charities that Gone for a Run supports. It really is a win-win, so go ahead and start racing! =)  

For more information about running during these crazy times read “Running During a Time of COVID-19“.

For a list of all my past races, click here!

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